Manufactured by American Home Products, Fen-Phen was once hailed as a wonder diet drug. It was both quick and effective in combating obesity for millions of users around the world. In the United States alone, an estimated 1.1 million people were prescribed this combination of diet drugs. Fen-Phen is a combination of fenfluramine (sold under the brand name Pondimin), dexfenfluramine (sold under the brand name Redux) and phentermine. These drugs had the unique effect of making the brain think that the stomach was full. Unfortunately, American Home Products failed to test this combination of drugs on people before putting it on the market. The result has been deadly.

There are three types of injuries associated with the use of Fen-Phen: heart valve damage, primary pulmonary hypertension, and neuropsychological damage. The symptoms for heart valve damage include: shortness of breath and chest pain. Primary pulmonary hypertension is a disease that causes the narrowing of the lung's blood vessels and eventually results in heart failure. Symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, ankle swelling, dizziness, blue lips and skin, and chest pain. Neuropsychological damage can include memory loss, behavioral changes, depression, psychotic breakdowns, and mood swings.

Both fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine are known to increase patients' risk of developing heart valve disease. In fact, doctors' research revealed abnormal valve functions in 30% of patients taking Pondimin or Redux in a study group. This medical study resulted in the Food and Drug Administration's insistence that American Home Products pull both fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine from the market on September 15, 1997.

Research has since shown that American Home Products knew of the connection between leaky heart valves and the use of Fen-Phen, yet continued its marketing and sales campaign. Additionally, the company requested that restrictions set forth by Congress and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration be minimized for these "miracle" diet drugs. Profits overshadowed safety as American Home Product's paramount concern.

The Food and Drug Administration is now advising prior users of Fen-Phen to seek medical examinations to investigate possible heart damage. Such damage is detected by an echocardiogram, an ultrasound of the heart. As of August 28, 2000, American Home Products agreed to a national settlement of health claims in relation to Fen-Phen.

If you or a loved one took Fen-Phen for at least 30 days, you may be entitled to benefits. Call Mark A. Hunt & Associates today for an appointment.